Japan Enchantment

14 Nights: £4150 (excluding international flights)

Destinations:
Tokyo | Nikko | Karuizawa | Nagano | Kanazawa | Kyoto | Hakone | Tokyo

From a tour of Kyoto with its must-see temples, shrines and gardens, to the high-tech wonders of Tokyo, the gardens of Kanazawa and the beautiful Japanese Alps region, this comprehensive 14 night Japanese tour will give you a wonderful feel for all the different aspects of Japan.

On this cultural tour of Japan, you'll be able to visit the ancient shrines, temples and gardens of Imperial Kyoto, soak up some samurai history and one of Japan's top three gardens in Kanazawa and marvel at the World Heritage shrines of Nikko. We'll be relaxing in the hotsprings of Hakone at one of Japan's most distinguished hotels, the Fujiya Hotel, whilst the stunning Japanese Alps await us during our stay in Karuizawa. In Nikko we stay at the historic Kanaya Hotel, whilst in Karuizawa we stay at a deluxe Japanese ryokan.

Geisha Dances (Miyako Odori, Kamogawa Odori & Gion Odori)

All departures include reserved seat tickets for the Spring/Autumn geisha dance festivals - a unique chance to see the geisha of Kyoto performing in their own theatre.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & More

Japan Enchantment starts and finishes in Tokyo, Japan's buzzing capital city and the most densely populated area on the planet. Tokyo is a phenomenon and we will experience both the historic Asakusa district and the bright lights of Shinjuku.

We have made sure to include the 'Golden Route' sights of Japan with a three night tour of Kyoto, Japan's capital of history and culture, and two nights in the mountainous hotspring resort of Hakone with its views of the majestic Mt. Fuji.

We'll head off the beaten track as we take the "Romantic Road" route from Nikko to Karuizawa in the Japanese Alps. Here we stay at a deluxe traditional inn with en-suite Japanese style rooms and gourmet dinners included. Some light walking or hiking is available here and we'll be enjoying some of the dramatic volcanic landscapes.

In Nikko we'll explore the wonderfully ornate temples and shrines which have been designated as a World Heritage site. Our stay in Kanazawa gives the opportunity to see one of the very best Japanese gardens, to tour the Samurai house district and to experience the intruiging "Ninja" temple.

Led by Ota-san, a retired businessman and expert tour leader, this is a very special tour at very special times of the year and is sure to be one of our highlight tours.

We've included a mix of very good quality, well located Western-style hotels as well as two nights in a deluxe Japanese style inn. Breakfast everyday and 5 sumptuous evening meals are all included and the whole cultural tour of Japan is set against the backdrop of the beautiful pink sakura in spring, verdant new greens in May and the fiery reds, golds and oranges of the changing leaves in autumn.

This tour of Japan captures the country in all its glory, from the skyscrapers of Tokyo to the natural landscapes of the Japanese Alps. An adventure to savour.

 

Pricing Information

2012
Tour Price: £4150
Single Supplement: £450
Extra Nights  
Pre-Tour: Twin Share pp £90     Single pp £120 
Post-Tour: Twin Share pp £80    Single pp £110
2013
Tour Price: £4150
Single Supplement: £450
Extra Nights  
Pre-Tour: Twin Share pp £90     Single pp £120 
Post-Tour: Twin Share pp £80    Single pp £110
Start Dates 2012/13

2012
Tue 3 Apr - SOLD OUT
Tue 15 May - NOW BOOKING
Tue 30 Oct - NOW BOOKING

2013
Tue 2 Apr - NOW BOOKING

 Prices:
2012: £4150
2013: £4150

Prices are excluding international flights.

What’s Included:
  • 14 nights accommodation including a deluxe ryokan (Japanese style inn) in Karuizawa and stays at two of Japan's most famous hotels - the Granvia in Kyoto and Fujiya in Hakone
  • All transport between destinations in Japan including bullet train rides and airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Meet and Greet upon arrival at Narita Airport
  • A mix of Western and traditional Japanese style breakfasts everyday
  • 5 sumptuous evening meals
  • Sumida River boat cruise & Hamarikyu gardens in Tokyo
  • Tokyo transport card
  • 'Miyako Odori', 'Kamogawa Odori' or 'Gion Odori' Geisha dance tickets
  • Selected entrance fees and local transport
  • Luggage forwarding between Tokyo & Karuizawa and Kyoto to Tokyo
  • Full time services of your Tour Leader Ota-san
  • InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
  • 7 Day Japan Rail Pass - a flexible pass allowing you to make optional day trips using Japan Rail at no extra cost
What’s NOT Included:
  • International flights
  • Some additional local transport (buses, subways taxis)
  • Some entrance fees (including those for shrines temples and museums)
  • Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip

Important Information

Maximum Group Size:  14

Single Supplement: This tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour.

Transport: Please note that most transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A moderate case or bag with wheels are most appropriate for this tour.

Accommodation: All accommodation on this tour has full ensuite bathroom facilities. The accommodation in Hakone and Karuizawa also offer shared natural hot-spring baths for your enjoyment.

International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport.

Meet and Greet: Please note that the included meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available up to 2 days in advance of the tour and if you are staying extra nights pre-tour it is only available if those nights are booked through InsideJapan Tours.

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 1pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

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Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Tokyo

Meals: Dinner

The tour begins today in Tokyo, Japan’s electric capital city. You’ll be arriving at Narita Airport and will be met by one of our representatives who will give you a ticket to get into Tokyo. Many of our customers choose to come in a day or two early to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour. Whatever the case we will still have someone there to meet you up to 2 days before the tour. Our hotel is situated in the traditional Asakusa area of Tokyo, a short walk from the historic Sensoji temple and Kaminarimon gate. We stay at the Asakusa View - the best hotel in this area of Tokyo.

Day 2 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

After filling up at the hotel breakfast buffet, this morning we will be embarking on a full day tour of Tokyo. The day will begin with a stroll through Asakusa followed by a boat ride down the Sumida river to Hama-rikyu gardens, one of Tokyo's best and an oasis of calm and beauty. From here we will venture on by local train to Harajuku where the extensive precincts of Meiji Shrine are to be found just across the tracks from the latest in Japanese youth fashion. Lunch in Harajuku will be followed by a train ride to Shinjuku where we will take the short walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for a 45th floor view of the metroplis! This will bring to a close the tour and you can either head back to the hotel or spend some more time out and about in Tokyo. Tonight dinner is not included so we recommend heading out and sampling some of the culinary delights on offer in city of fantastic food!

Day 3 Nikko

Meals: Breakfast

There will be an optional early risers visit to Tsukiji Fish Market this morning - a great chance to see this fascinating place at work and have a sushi breakfast. We will then be moving on by direct Ltd Express train to Nikko where we’ll have the chance to visit the splendid Tosho-gu shrine complex and the other World Heritage sights. Don’t miss the famous “see no evil” monkeys! Accommodation tonight is at the historic Kanaya Hotel - the best in town.

Day 4 Karuizawa

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel we will be embarking on a full day tour by our own private coach taking the scenic "Romantic Road" route where possible. First stop will be the national park surrounding Nikko. We’ll take the cable car up to Akechi-daira peak for some great views of Chuzen-ji lake before moving on to the lake itself and the 97 metre high Kegon-no-taki waterfalls. We will then continue on to Karuizawa, a lovely spa resort and a gateway to the Japanese Alps. Here we stay in a deluxe Japanese ryokan with breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 Karuizawa

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

A full day in Karuizawa today, a great chance to explore the local area and do some gentle (or more strenuous if you wish) hiking or walking. We'll get to see some of the volcanic landscapes and views that this region is known for. Dinner will again be a gourmet treat at our ryokan and don't forget to spare some time for a few dips in the restorative and relaxing hot spring baths!

Day 6 Nagano

Meals: Breakfast

The Shinkansen (bullet train) will whisk us on to Nagano in style and comfort today. Here we will have the opportunity to see the fantastic Zenko-ji temple as well as make a side trip to Yudanaka Onsen for the famous "snow monkeys" - so cute!

Day 7 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

From Nagano it is on by Ltd Express train to the city of Kanazawa, home to Kenrokuen which is rated as one of Japan's top three gardens. Accommodation is at a first class hotel.

Day 8 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

A full day in Kanazawa today and the chance to visit Kenrokuen gardens, the Samurai district and the Ninja temple. Kanazawa is also a cultural and craft centre of Japan and there are opportunities for tea ceremony, pottery, yuzen cloth dyeing and gold lacquer experiences if you wish.

Day 9 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Kyoto is just a short direct Ltd Express train ride away - look out for views of Lake Biwa en-route. In Kyoto we stay at the 5 star Granvia Hotel, in our opinion the best in the city. We will begin our exploration of this famous cultural capital of Japan in style with tickets included to see the famous Geisha dances and dinner included at a local restaurant tonight.

Day 10 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

A full day in Kyoto and a chance to visit some of the highlights of the city such as the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu temple as well as some lesser known sights. You are sure to fall in love with Kyoto as you start to get to know this most famous and most cherished of Japan’s cities; the true home of Japanese history and culture.

Day 11 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Today is our Excursion Day – a free day for you to use your JR Rail Pass (included in the tour price) to visit a destination of your choice. Popular choices include Hiroshima, Himeji Castle or Nara, an even older capital of Japan. You can of course opt to stay in Kyoto if you wish to explore more in the city.

Day 12 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) again today on to Hakone National Park near Mt. Fuji. Accommodation in Hakone is at the beautiful Fujiya Hotel. As one of the first Western style hotels in Japan the Fujiya is a classic establishment with beautiful wooden interiors, spacious rooms and top level service all in a setting of outstanding natural beauty. This will be one of the accommodation highlights of the tour and a real treat! Today will be a good opportunity to visit the Hakone outdoor sculpture park. The collection of sculptures by such household names as Anthony Gormley and Henry Moore is set against a wonderful mountain backdrop. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant in Hakone.

Day 13 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast

A full day to explore Hakone. You will be able to use the included transport Free-Pass to travel around the area. You may like to take a short hike along what remains of the old Tokaido highway that used to be the major road linking Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Kyoto and Osaka or spend your day criss-crossing the mountains by cable-car from which, if the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the majestic Mt. Fuji. There is an assortment of museums to visit and of course one of Hakone’s famous “trick boxes” would make for a great souvenir.

Day 14 Tokyo*

Meals: Breakfast

We will transfer to Tokyo for our final night, staying amidst the bright lights of Shinjuku. You’ll have plenty of time to go gift shopping or perhaps check out some sights you missed at the start of the tour.

Day 15 Depart

Meals: Breakfast

It is that sad time when we all have to say our goodbyes and head our separate ways. Your ticket back to the airport is included. We wish you all the best for a safe journey home and hope that perhaps one day you will return to Japan for some more adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Photos